In the Mayenne, the ‘chemin de halage’, a former towpath is a testament to the history of transport by river. 85kms long, you can travel this path on foot, bike or horseback following in the steps of mariners and the horses that pulled their barges. There’s so much to see! For nature lovers there is an abundance of flora and fauna. Explore beautiful landscapes with a myriad of trees and wild flowers. Colourful birds, deer and other wildlife inhabit the banks and in the water you’ll see fish and even eels as ‘painted’ dragonflies shimmer above the surface. From time to time, in a flash of silver, a dragonfly will disappear leaving a trail of bubbles – a quick snack for a hungry fish.

There’s much more to do! Golf, canoeing. boating and jet-skiing are just some of the activities along the route. Culture lovers will adore the châteaux, mills and churches many of which you can visit. There are more than a dozen châteaux and manor houses along the way. The three main towns in the Mayenne are perfect cultural stops. Mayenne is a town dating back to the Middles Ages, with an impressive castle. Laval is the ‘capital’ of the Mayenne region and its castle houses the ‘Gallery of Art Naïf’. The most southerly town, Château-Gontier, is worth a visit to see the convent des Ursulines and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, one of the best examples of Roman architecture in the region.
This one visit could last your entire holiday. You decide whether to explore a small stretch or go all the way. You may need to come back again for more!

For more information: Le Chemin de Halage

Sam's Scoop

If you are looking for a place to stay where you can relax and feel pampered after all this exploring, I recommend ‘La Marjolaine’. This beautiful manoir is a ‘Hotel de Charme’ right on the river. A hidden gem, it is romantic and intimate, set in beautiful grounds with a pool. The food is delicious!
You can even have a massage to relieve those aches and pains.
www.lamarjolaine.fr